15th Century and Earlier Sculptures

Fossil Leaves Natural Specimen from Succor Creek Formation, Owyhee Mountains. Since this is a prehistoric fossil it will show its age (of course!) potentially such as cracks, pits, e...

Ammonite Fossils, Xipheroceras Promicroceras, Dorset England Jurassic Coast. About 200 Million Years Old. This beautiful natural specimen stands on its own, though we will al...

Fern Fossil Specimen, Extinct Neuropteris species likely, 300 million years old. Discovered in PA. Colors occur naturally over time through the mineralization process. The intensity ...

Ammonite Fossil Specimen Mortoniceras (Angolaites) Drakei 110 Million Yrs Old (apx) We are wild about these knobby ammonite fossils, especially those with both sides are exposed rath...

Alethopteris Species Fern Fossil Natural Specimen, 305+ Million Years Old. This is such a stunning piece that it simply must have a stand. If you like, this stand will be included a...

Polished Ammonite Fossil with Red Flashes, Around 110 Million Years Old, with Beautiful Glowing / Iridescent Flashes of Color and some leafy patterns peaking out. A stand like the on...

An exceptional large specimen of vanadinite from Morocco, covered entirely with brilliant, deep red crystals of varying sizes. The crystals are densely packed together, forming a con...

This remarkable sheet of native copper from Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula displays beautiful natural metallic patterns and a rich bronze lustre. Its sculptural form captures both str...

An extraordinary sculptural formation of golden pyrite from the famous Huanzala Mine in Ancash, Peru, composed of perfect interlocking cubes of varying sizes that appear almost hand-...

This polished extraterrestrial iron sphere is a fascinating display piece, dating back to the formation of the Solar System and from the core of a large asteroid. Carved from the fa...

A striking specimen of golden pyrite from the renowned Navajún Mine, La Rioja, Spain, featuring perfectly formed cubes of varying sizes beautifully embedded in their natural limeston...

This stunning specimen from Colorado beautifully combines smoky quartz crystals with striking turquoise-green amazonite and soft white feldspar. The contrast of colors—rich browns, v...

This exceptional polished labradorite from Madagascar reveals a vibrant play of color, with radiant turquoise, green, and golden flashes dancing across its surface. The internal irid...

Ammonites from Madagascar are the fossilized shells of extinct squid that lived 65 to 110 million years ago. These fossils are found worldwide, but Madagascar is a well-known source ...

This remarkable object, displaying a mesmerising honeycomb structure of shimmering peridot crystals suspended in an iron-nickel matrix, is a complete cross-section of the famous pall...

Carved from a mosaic-like rock, this striking sculpture is the lower grinding stone from a Gallo-Roman millstone - a powerful and aesthetic symbol of life two millennia ago. It is ma...

This evocative Roman marble foot fragment is a timeless remnant of the overlifesized sculpture it was once part of. Sensitively carved and polished, the outer sole of the sandal rema...

This striking meteorite slice is perfectly polished to reveal the mesmerising green-black crystalline interior unique to the Martian surface. This specimen belongs to the rare class ...

BrittleStar Fossil Specimen, 443 to 485 Million Years Old, Ordovician Period This is a stunning starfish fossil specimen that will make a very nice display. The brittlestar is clearl...

A 2000 year old pair of similarly styled antique Chinese pottery horse heads dating to the Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) Large authentic painted grey clay terracotta sculptural tomb objects, one with red pigment, one with red over white slip decoration, both crisply molded, carved and detailed. These finely carved horse head funerary figures feature excellent attention to detail and realistic characteristics, moldeled with an upright mane, the wooden ears missing, likely long deteriorated, a normal and expected feature considering the age. The Han Dynasty horse head...

Upper Cretaceous, about 70-65 million years ago (Maastrichtian) Morocco The skull is reconstructed in good proportions with fossil pieces found in a phosphate mine in Morocco. I att...

90+ Million Years Old Conlinoceras Tarrantense Ammonite Fossil The Conlinoceras Tarrantense Ammonite is considered rare and is highly sought after as a collector's item. Since this...

This painted limestone relief is an exquisite example of New Kingdom relief carving from the apogee of Egyptian artistic production. Carved in raised relief - a labour-intensive tech...

A Stunning Knobby Ammonite Fossil Specimen, About 93 Million Years Old. This is a very beautiful, multicolored (to our eye, taupe-brown, peach, white, tan) ammonite with leafy patter...

This spectacular polished slice of the Lunar meteorite Gadamis 004, reveals a mosaic-like interior, evoking the surface of the Moon as seen by the eye on a clear night. Weighing 149 ...

This fine Roman marble head fragment, with broad nose, soft lips, and bearded chin, captures the likeness of one of the most important playwrights of...

Large Prehistoric Natural Piece of Petrified Wood A large and very decorative piece of prehistoric petrified wood in its natural form. Truly a gem on you console table, cabinet or...

Large Plant Fossil/Fern Fossil Specimen, Multiple Species, Carboniferous Period. Discovered in PA. This is another large, substantial and colorful fossil plate specimen. The largest ...

This exceptional Tyrannosaurus Rex tooth, embedded in a sedimentary matrix and surrounded by the jumbled remains of other dinosaurs, is a strik...

This striking specimen from La Viesca mine, La Collada, Huergo, Siero, Asturias, Spain features a magnificent deep blue fluorite cube beautifully accented by a delicate layer of whit...

Neuropteris Ovata Species, Natural Tree Fern Fossil Specimen apx 305 million yrs old. Discovered in Pennsylvania, this is a beautiful plant fossil natural specimen. Colors occurred n...

This museum-quality Amethyst “harp” from Artigas, Uruguay, is a natural sculpture of exceptional beauty and rarity. The piece features a harmonious arrangement of high-quality Amethy...

12th century extremely rare romanesque wood sculpture of the Virgin Mary. Magnificent wood hand carved sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding a book to her chest. It is an extremely rare survivor of the 12th century. The style is European, possibly French or English. This statue is a testimony to beautiful religious art from about 1150. A truly rare Romanesque sculpture...

This luminous Sericho pallasite meteorite slice offers a captivating view into the early solar system. Dating back approximately 4.5 billion years, this stony-iron meteorite was discovered in Kenya and officially recognized in 2016, although the fall is believed to have occurred decades earlier. This Sericho slice features a mosaic of orange and green Olivine – the gem variety of Peridot – suspended in a gleaming iron-nickel matrix. Especially when backlit, the Olivine crystals radiate with striking transparency and color. Pallasites make up less than 1% of all known meteorites and are among the rarest and most beautiful of extraterrestrial materials. Thought to originate from disrupted asteroids in the early solar system, specimens like this one likely formed at the boundary between a molten metal core and a silicate-rich mantle – or through high-energy impacts between differentiated bodies. This meteorite slice offers a literal cross-section of planetary formation and destruction. A true standout for any meteorite, mineral, or space memorabilia...

The central element of this geode has been preserved with two windows on each side, revealing gorgeous calcite formations sat on a blanket of differentially tinted amethystine quar...

Large white crystal quartz geode with a large naturally forming baroque pearl. 28lbs. Geodes are formed as gas bubbles within volcanic lava. Over time, the lava flow weathers away to leave the quartz geode buried deep in the Moroccan desert. This was dug by hand and includes druzy white crystal formations. This is a large geode specimen...

This spectacular, almost heart-shaped cross-section of fossilised incense cedar wood is a beautifully aesthetic display piece, with vibrant hues of browns, oranges and creams, as wel...

This incredible 27" long fossilized brow horn belonged to the Medusaceratops Iokii: an herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period circa 78-77 million years ago...

From the largest meteorite shower in recorded history, this impressive iron fragment is a beautiful natural sculpture from the Sikhote-Alin meteorite. Formed 4.5 billion years ago, i...

Complete conch shell mounted on a large crystal quartz cluster and adorned with two crystal points, highlighting the neutral and warm hues of the shell. The piece was collected and ...

Provenance : - Kunsthaus Heinrich Hahn, Frankfurt am Main, sale 16, June 17, 1930, lot 16. - Sotheby's, Amsterdam, Feb. 26, 2006, lot 201. HISTORIC Located between Moselle valley and Meuse valley, framed by the Vosges Mountains on the south side and the duchy of Luxembourg on the north side, the duchy of Lorraine is the result of several partitions. It starts with the 9th century when the Carolingian empire is divided, with Lothar 1st inheriting Lotharingia. In 959 this territory was in turn divided in two; Lower and Upper Lotharingia, the latter being the forebear of the duchy of Lorraine. This duchy was under the rule of the Holy Roman Germanic Empire until 1736 when it was absorbed by the kingdom of France. All along its history the duchy of Lorraine has found itself in the midst of many conflicts. Alliances and feuds marking European history were always particularly sensible in Lorraine where instability was frequent. Because of its geographic position the duchy of Lorraine was also an artistic crossroad. Hence the duchy of Lorraine becomes from the 13th century onwards an important artistic centre where a particular type of Virgin and Child appears. According to professor J. A. Schmoll the characteristics of Lorraine sculpture burgeon around 1280-1300 in the Aube region. It presents “vigorous volumes, restrained movements, rare but solemn gestures and a strong interiorised and stern expression”. Those Virgins look similar with a wide forehead, a shield- or oval-shaped face, large neck, small lips and a cleft chin. This model is particularly in favour during the 13th century because of the revival for Marial worship and for the theme of the Virgin and Child. It bears witness to a new religious sensibility with a more intimate vision of religious practice. DESCRIPTION The important 14th century Virgin we present to you is one of the most beautiful examples of sculptural art from Eastern France, with her fascinating distant gaze. Her contrapposto posture is induced by the weight of the child she carries high on her left side. The child has a chubby face framed by blond hair with well defined curls and he wears a long red V-collared tunic from which emerge his feet. The fabric is animated by long folds. The position of the right foot turned to the back is a detail we can notice on several Virgins from Lorraine. He holds a bird that seems to be pecking his thumb. “The bird /held by the child in his hands/ has been read as a reference to an episode from Christ’s childhood when he has moulded sparrows with clay before giving them life. It appears in the apocryphal gospel of Pseudo-Matthew (ch. 27) and later in the Quran (III, 43, v. 110). However the iconography seems to be more influenced by the concept of Redemption or of Eucharist, the bird symbolising the soul of the Christian about to be redeemed or revitalised.” Mary wears a long dress with two rock crystal cabochons remaining from the original five. She is covered by a red cloak enriched with old-gold motifs draped as an apron falling in long pleats along her left hip. The relief treatment and the volume of the cloak developing a network of concentric pleats contrast with the the flat pleating of her dress. They nevertheless suggest the curve of her bent right leg. She wears a floret crown securing a short thin veil carved in very low relief. From it emerges her blond curled hair characteristic of the 13th century. The large face with almond-shaped eyes, straight nose, small lips and cleft chin casts its gaze afar in a fashion typical of 13th century Virgins. In her right hand she holds a lily flower. In a very refined manner the artist has carved a band on her right ring-finger. In the back, carefully sculpted, spreads the minutely detailed short veil. COMPARATIVE STUDIES This sculpture of great quality presents obvious similarities with Virgins from Lorraine, designated by William Forsythe...

This substantial formation consists of prominent white quartz crystals with a slight green tinge, laid over a bed of undulating stalactites. A small hon...

Trilobites, an early arthropod relative of spiders, horseshoe crabs, and scorpions, preserved in this level of detail only occurred as a result of very sudden underwater landslides c...

Extra Large Jurassic Ammonite Fossil 11 x 10.5 x 3.75" w/ Leafy Suture Patterns. Comes with a second, tiny (1.25 x 1 x .5) ammonite, further demonstrating the size of this one. This...

This authentic Megalodon tooth fossil from South Carolina is an impressive collector’s piece measuring 5.13 inches tall and weighing 236 grams. With its broad triangular form, well-p...

Oriented Stone Meteorite Chondrite 5.00 kg Detached from its parent body by a mighty impact, this large, oriented Meteorite travelled over a hu...

Conlinoceras Tarrantense Ammonite Fossil, 90-100 Million Years Old. The Conlinoceras Tarrantense Ammonite is considered rare and is highly sought after as a collector's item. Thi...

This authentic Spinosaurus vertebra fossil originates from the world-renowned Kem Kem Formation in the Sahara Desert of Morocco, a region celebrated for yielding some of the most ico...

A very large, one of a kind epimorph amethyst. This piece is a visual spectacle with the natural sculptural formations of amethyst in a different ...

A large and rare second half of 15th century religious marble sculpture group, hand carved, mounted on bronze base for display. This sculpture group depicts the death of Saint Joseph...

Carcharodontosaurus (Dinosaur) tooth in a glass display box From Tegana Formation, North Africa. Cretaceous Age 65 million years Carcharodontosaurus is one of the longest and heavi...

This huge, Museum-quality Spinosaur tooth is completely in tact with no repairs. This incredible specimen includes a display box for preservation and display purposes. Spinosaurus (m...

Polished to a breath-taking finish and presented on an artistic wooden stand, this unique and beautiful piece displays a half geode. The edges of the geodes have been polished reveal...

This exceptional specimen of fossilised dinosaur skin preserves the hexagonal scales of a Brachylophosaurus (‘short-crested lizard’), giving us a rare snapshot of life 80 million yea...

A beautifully preserved fossilized turtle skull from the Kem Kem fossil formation in Morocco, exhibiting outstanding anatomical detail. The bone structure remains highly intact, with...

Carcharodontosaurus (Dinosaur) tooth in a glass display box From Tegana Formation, North Africa. Cretaceous Age 65 million years Carcharodontosaurus is one of the longest and heavi...

Genuine Spinosaurus (Dinosaur) tooth. Spinosaurus (meaning "spine lizard") is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived in what now is North Africa, during the upper Albian to upper T...

A mesmerizing Gupta Empire (mid-3rd century BCE - 543 AD) mounted terracotta torso of a standing Vishnu. Vishnu is the preserver god, which means he p...

POLYCHROME CARVED WOOD VIRGIN AND CHILD FROM THE 15TH CENTURY   ORIGIN: SOUTH GERMANY, SWABIA, NUREMBERG REGION PERIOD: 15th CENTURY   Height: 94,6cm Width : 28 cm Depth : 18 cm   Lime wood Original Polychromy Good state of conservation     From 1430 onwards, sculpture underwent a profound stylistic renewal which continued until 1530, the so-called late Gothic period. In the Germanic countries, original sculptures flourished in an expressive and sensitive vein.
This renewal was inspired by the art of Nicholas of Leiden, who was active in Strasbourg in the 1460's. His style broke with the refined and delicate art of the international Gothic style in force throughout Europe around 1400. The figures became more authentic and realistic. The bodies became denser. Clothes are animated by deep, broken folds, the fabrics are heavy and have a great decorative value. In addition, the polychromy is intended to be illusionistic. The painting makes it possible to restore the texture of the materials, the richness of the textiles and the natural skin tone of the characters.   The dissemination of images through engraving and the great mobility of the artists led to the success of this style, which conquered the Upper Rhine, Swabian, Tyrolean and Franconian regions, contributing to the formation of a common stylistic identity in these regions. The economic boom in the flourishing German cities was conducive to the development of original production. Attracted by this prosperity, numerous workshops were set up in order to meet the orders of religious communities, the Church and the laity, including a clientele of middle-class rockers.      This precious Virgin and Child is depicted standing on a crescent moon, her head encircled by a crown of tall flowers. Her long wavy hair spreads over her shoulders, framing her beautiful oval face. Under fine eyebrows drawn with a brushstroke, her almond-shaped, slightly drooping eyes look at the Child with infinite softness. She is dressed in a long red dress with a rounded neckline, belted under the chest. The heavy fabric of her dress spreads out in broken folds at her feet. On her shoulders she wears a golden cloak. The drapery has deep folds. She holds out her right hand while she holds the Christ Child with her left.   Christ, with his well-defined hair, is naked. His cheeks are highlighted with red, he holds an apple in his left hand and with the other hand makes a sign of blessing towards the faithful.   Virgins with Child on a crescent moon were very popular in the second half of the 15th century, especially as the central subject of altarpieces in southern Germany and Austria. The crescent moon on which Mary is standing is reminiscent of the Woman of the Apocalypse. Often equated with the Virgin Mary.    This episode is taken from the Book of Revelation (12:1-6)   1 Then a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. ; 2 She was pregnant, and she cried out because she was in labor, in pain from giving birth. ; 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: it was a great fiery red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads. ; 4 His tail swept down a third of heaven's stars and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth so that when she gave birth, he might devour her child. ; 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child who is to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was snatched up to God and his throne. ; 6 Then the woman fled into the desert, where God has prepared a place for her. There she will be taken care of for one thousand two hundred sixty days.   Some theologians see in this woman a reference to the Virgin Mary and in the child, Jesus.    
This remarkable work is a very fine example of sculpture from Swabian workshops in the last decades of the 15th century. It presents all the characteristic stylistic elements: a highly girdled silhouette, an abundant drapery with angular folds, but also a great physical presence accentuated by the polychromy that restores the anatomical details. This group is made of a wooden log. The deep folds of the drapery highlight the movement of the Virgin holding the child.       Bibliography :   Sophie Guillot de Suduiraut, Dévotion et Séduction, Sculptures souabes des musées de France, vers 1460-1530, Paris musée du Louvre-Éditions somogy, 2015   “Revelation 12 -   Common English Bible...

Genuine Spinosaurus (Dinosaur) tooth. Spinosaurus (meaning "spine lizard") is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived in what now is North Africa, during the upper Albian to upper T...